The Cuisinart Classic Percolator and the Farberware 12-Cup Percolator are both popular electric options, but they appeal to different coffee drinkers. Cuisinart offers a modern kitchen appliance with sleek styling and convenient features like a detachable cord and ready-to-serve indicator light. Farberware stays true to tradition with a classic, no-frills design that prioritizes fast brewing and affordability above all else.
Here’s a detailed look at both brands to help you decide which percolator belongs on your kitchen counter.
Cuisinart Classic 12-Cup Percolator
The Cuisinart percolator is designed for the modern coffee enthusiast who appreciates the rich flavor of percolated coffee but doesn't want to sacrifice contemporary style and convenience. It blends traditional brewing with thoughtful features that make the process smoother, from its detachable cord for easy pouring to its transparent knob for monitoring the brew.
- What it is: A modern electric percolator that puts a contemporary spin on a classic brewing method, designed for ease of use and consistent results.
- Key features: Stainless steel construction, detachable power cord, "ready to serve" indicator light, stay-cool bottom, long tapered spout for drip-free pouring, transparent brew progress knob.
- Price: Mid-range, typically priced between $50 and $100.
- Dimensions: Approximately 9.25" x 6.25" x 12.2" with a 4 to 12-cup capacity.
- Style: Sleek and contemporary with a polished stainless steel finish that fits well in modern kitchens.
- Materials/Construction: Durable stainless steel housing, basket, and pump tube with some plastic components for the handle and lid knob.
- Pros: Detachable cord makes serving at the table easy and safe. Indicator light signals when coffee is ready. Long warranty and trusted brand reputation. Stay-cool bottom means you can place it directly on surfaces.
- Cons: Higher price point compared to Farberware. More components and modern features could mean more potential points of failure over time. Some users find the brew time slightly longer than classic models.
The Cuisinart Classic Percolator is an excellent choice for those who value modern conveniences and are willing to invest a little more for a stylish, feature-rich appliance.
Shop this product: amazon.com/Cuisinart-PRC-12-Classic-Stainless-Steel-Percolator/
Farberware 12-Cup Percolator
Farberware has a long-standing reputation for creating simple, durable kitchen tools, and its percolator is a perfect example of this philosophy. This appliance is pure function-over-form, built with a timeless design that focuses on one thing: brewing strong, hot coffee quickly and reliably. It's a workhorse for those who want a classic percolator experience without any unnecessary extras.
- What it is: A classic, budget-friendly electric coffee percolator that is known for its durability, simplicity, and fast brewing time.
- Key features: Polished stainless steel construction, fast brew speed (often advertised as one cup per minute), rolled handle for a comfortable grip, attached power cord.
- Price: Budget-friendly, typically priced between $30 and $50.
- Dimensions: Approximately 8.5" x 8.0" x 13.0" with a standard 8 to 12-cup capacity.
- Style: Traditional and utilitarian with a classic, vintage-inspired polished look that has remained unchanged for decades.
- Materials/Construction: Sturdy stainless steel body, with a focus on simplicity and fewer moving parts.
- Pros: Excellent value for the price. Simple to use with no complex settings. Known for its quick brewing speed. Extremely durable and has a long history of reliability.
- Cons: Attached cord can be cumbersome for serving and storage. Lacks modern features like an indicator light or a stay-cool base. The classic design can lead to over-extraction if not monitored, resulting in bitter coffee.
The Farberware percolator is ideal for budget-conscious buyers and traditionalists who want a simple, fast, and famously dependable coffee maker.
Shop this product: walmart.com/ip/Farberware-FCP412-12-Cup-Percolator/
Cuisinart vs. Farberware Percolator Comparison
Brewing Performance & Features
In terms of performance, both percolators make hot, strong coffee. However, the user experience is quite different. The Cuisinart offers a more controlled process with features designed for convenience. Its transparent knob lets you watch the coffee darken to your preference, and the unit automatically switches to a keep-warm function when brewing is complete. The ready-to-serve light eliminates any guesswork.
The Farberware is a more manual experience. It brews very quickly and hot, but it requires you to unplug it once the desired strength is reached to prevent the coffee from becoming too strong or bitter. It has no keep-warm mode, it simply keeps percolating. For user-friendly features, Cuisinart is the clear winner, for pure speed and simplicity, Farberware is hard to beat.
Style & Design
Your kitchen's aesthetic will likely play a role in your decision. Cuisinart’s sleek lines, polished finish, and minimalist design make it a natural fit for contemporary and modern kitchens. The detachable cord also makes it a much tidier appliance for both serving and countertop storage.
Farberware's design is unapologetically classic and nostalgic. With its bulbous shape and sturdy feel, it appeals to those who appreciate a vintage or traditional look. However, its permanently attached power cord feels dated and makes it less convenient to bring to the breakfast table or clean in the sink.
Materials & Construction
Both percolators are made primarily of durable stainless steel and are built to last for years. Cuisinart’s construction feels a bit more refined, incorporating high-quality components and polished details that reflect its slightly higher price. It's engineered with modern safety and performance standards in mind.
The Farberware percolator's construction is all about utilitarian strength. It's a simple, sturdy machine with fewer internal parts, which contributes to its reputation for longevity. While it may not feel as high-end as the Cuisinart, its long history is proof of its robust and reliable build.
Price & Value
This is the most significant point of difference. The Farberware is an accessible, budget-friendly option, often costing less than half the price of the Cuisinart. Its value lies in its simplicity and durability, providing a reliable brewing method for a very low price.
The Cuisinart positions itself as a mid-range kitchen appliance. The higher price gets you modern convenience features, a more contemporary look, better service and warranty options, and an easier brewing process. The value here comes from the enhanced user experience rather than just raw function.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both percolators are excellent choices in their respective categories, but they cater to very different priorities.
Choose the Cuisinart if:
- You want a stylish percolator that matches your modern kitchen decor.
- Convenience features like a detachable cord and indicator light are important to you.
- You prefer an appliance that monitors itself and keeps a pot warm automatically.
- You are willing to spend more for a sleeker design and enhanced usability.
Choose the Farberware if:
- Your priority is sticking to a tight budget.
- You enjoy the simplicity and nostalgia of a classic, no-frills appliance.
- You need a percolator that brews coffee as quickly as possible.
- You value decades of proven reliability and straightforward durability over modern features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Cuisinart and Farberware percolators?
The main difference is features and philosophy. Cuisinart focuses on blending traditional brewing with modern conveniences (detachable cord, indicator lights, keep-warm function) and a contemporary look. Farberware prioritizes simplicity, speed, and affordability with a durable, no-frills design.
Which brand makes stronger coffee?
Both percolators are capable of making very strong coffee since the brewing method constantly circulates water through the grounds. However, the Farberware’s powerful heating element and manual shut-off process make it very easy to brew an extremely strong - and sometimes bitter - cup if you're not careful.
Is the detachable cord on the Cuisinart really worth it?
For many users, yes. A detachable cord makes a big difference in daily use. It allows you to carry just the pot to the table for serving, makes cleaning it in the sink easier, and creates a tidier look on the counter for storage - all without getting a cord wet.
How do you clean these percolators?
Both percolators have stainless steel baskets and pumps that should be cleaned after each use with hot, soapy water. The interior of the pots can be cleaned with soap and water as well, using a non-abrasive sponge. Neither model's electrical base should ever be submerged in water.
Which percolator is more durable?
Both brands have a reputation for durability. The Farberware's simple, mechanical design with fewer parts gives it long-term reliability and makes it less prone to electrical failures. The Cuisinart is also very well-built with high-quality stainless steel, but its added electronic features introduce more complexity.
Can you control the brew strength?
Yes, on both models. You can adjust the coffee-to-water ratio to control strength. On the Farberware, you also control strength by unplugging it after it has percolated for a certain amount of time. The Cuisinart offers more consistency since its cycle is automated, but adjusting grounds is the primary method of control.
Are percolators better than drip coffee makers?
They produce a different style of coffee. Percolators brew at a higher temperature and repeatedly pass liquid over the grounds, typically resulting in a bolder, hotter, and more full-bodied cup than a standard drip machine. Many people who prefer very hot and strong coffee favor percolators.
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